The Rock & Roll Pop Culture Auction Summer 2022

Lot #1048:

“The Shining” Jack Nicholson Screen Used "Lightweight Walking" Axe Prop

Perhaps the most striking prop in cinema history. A prop stunt axe from Stanley Kubrick's classic horror film "The Shining" (1980). This prop axe was used by Jack Nicholson as his character Jack Torrance. This lightweight, hard foam prop axe was used as a substitute for the original wooden axe as a safety measure and for ease of use in filming. It would have been used in long shots when two or more characters were on screen. Constructed of hard polyfoam, the prop measures 35" in length. The handle has been professionally painted to resemble wood grain, replicating the look of the "hero" wooden axe. The foam head features silver tape to resemble the metal surface. Displays a certain amount of on-set use, including some paint loss to the handle, and slight wrinkling of the silver tape. This prop axe is housed in a stunning display case (101 x 65 x 5.5cm) behind UV resistant and anti-glare conservation glass. The display also features a fully authenticated Jack Nicholson signed photograph from the film and a plaque. Warner Bros. created several prop axes for The Shining, and just one wooden axe is thought to remain in existence. Only a tiny amount of foam versions are believed to still exist. This is a very rare opportunity to own one of the most iconic props in movie history. Comes with a Paul Fraser Collectibles Letter of Authenticity and a Gotta Have Rock & Roll Certificate of Authenticity. Provenance: Ex. Frasers Autograph's (1990s).